Blog:LR in the black, Jag in the mire

Good to hear that Land Rover’s financial position is looking a lot better ahead of a crucial meeting next week involving LR management, unions and PAG boss Mark Fields. It augurs well, along with reports that LR management and unions are of one voice. But there’s a certain irony in that LR is being asked for productivity improvements to match Jaguar plants and Jaguar is still losing a packet. The big question for Jaguar is this: how much of its losses are down to an excessive cost base (basically too many assembly plants), weak dollar against sterling (certainly a factor) or just plain inferior product lines/wrong pricing versus strong competition – especially in the US market?

Given the startling complexity of obtaining a journalist visa for China - the code 'J2' is now indelibly stamped on my mind - it was with some surprise how swiftly I managed to sail through airport im...